Jann in TX or any other math mom.....

[Chris in PA]

I have a concern with my 9th grade dd. I had posted back in the fall about our struggles with Saxon Algebra 2. We are finally up to speed with it and she is doing ok. My concern is her ability to apply what she is learning in Saxon to math problems outside of Saxon. For instance, we are doing the SAT question of the day and she has real difficulty with the math questions. The questions are things she should know from Saxon. She is a good math student. I am panicking now thinking I have made a bad decision with Saxon. :( Is there another path I can take to fix this? I was planning on trying a separate geometry program next year; either TT or Jacob's with the Dr. Callahan DVDs. Where should I go after that? Back to Saxon Adv. Math or something else?

TIA for all your help!

[Jann in TX]

Students can become overly dependent on any program--in other words this is NOT a Saxon issue.

Your daughter just needs some exposure to different problem types/wording/application.

As with ANY student who will be working Geometry after Algebra 2, I suggest reviewing Algebra 2 at the same time--this does NOT mean working a complete Algebra 2 program--it just means review. Programs like ALEKS are great for this--but you can use just about any other Algebra 2 program too.

This will also expose your dd to new and 'different' ways of working problems that she is familiar with. Allow your dd to work the problems using HER method of choice.

If you decide to use a textbook (like Lial's for example) then your dd would start at the beginning--she reviews the lesson and works a FEW problems--concentrate on the word/application problems a little more. With Lial your dd could just work the Chapter Reviews--going back in the text as needed for more practice. Most of the material will be review--and that is the point!

After the Geometry/review year (much of Geometry will also be review) your dd will be able to go into any Pre-Calc program--and she should feel very confident because of the review.

[Chris in PA]

I am not sure which one to purchase? Is the Intermediate Algebra the one I would need? :confused:

Thanks so much for your help!

[Janet in WA]

In our experience, no matter what math program you use, the best prep for SAT word problems is an SAT prep program. Not just the "question of the day". I wouldn't panic or worry or even change math programs (unless you want to for reasons besides just the SAT). I'd just plan to use a good, thorough SAT practice program, including full practice tests.

[langfam]

My dd who has completed Saxon Alg 1&2 and Adv Math 1, (now doing TT Geometry) also had a lot of trouble with SAT Math questions. She did OK on the PSAT, not great, just very average. Now that she has worked through Chalkdust SAT Math review, she is scoring really well on the SAT practice tests. In fact, we have a saying at home that "Uncle Buck rules!".

[Staci in CT]

I once saw it recommended on the old boards and subsequently borrowed it for my dd. The teacher works out the problems on a white board while speaking to the child and pointing out all the "tricks" necessary to get the correct answer in the allotted 30-40 seconds. Although the DVD wasn't available in my local library, I was able to drive about 30 min. and find a copy. Once you have a copy in front of you, you can go to the website to print out a thorough study guide.

You can also purchase or read about these DVDs on their website:

videoaidedinstruction.com

HTH,
Staci

[Kareni]

My teen also just worked through Chalkdust SAT Math review before taking the SAT this past weekend. She felt that it had been a help.

Regards,
Kareni